Warpaint London has purchased Barry M for £1.4 million after the value cosmetics brand entered administration. The deal includes Barry M's intellectual property, stock, and order book, but excludes its manufacturing operations and liabilities. This acquisition positions Warpaint London, which owns brands like W7 and Technic, to strengthen its foothold in UK high street retail.
Barry M, established in the 1970s and known for its ethical stance, is available in over 1,300 stores. The brand reported a turnover of £17.4 million for the year ending February 2024, an increase from £15 million the previous year, with pre-tax profits reaching just over £172,000. Despite this growth, the company cited geopolitical issues and rising costs as reasons for its financial distress.
This move allows Warpaint London to expand its brand portfolio at a reduced price point. While Warpaint forecasts revenues of £105 million for 2025, it anticipates a 12% drop in EBITDA to £22 million due to macroeconomic challenges and store closures, such as Bodycare.
